Army style wasitpack / harness / suspenders / battle belt

[Fermenter]

I am not a fan of backpacks when I can avoid them, and I find small ones particularly annoying for day hikes etc. I prefer to carry the weight on my hips and have easy access.

I have a Maxpedition Sabercat, which is a good size for a day's walking but it needs some shoulder support (or replacing with something more integrated).

Just wondering if anyone uses this type of setup regularly and can steer me to suppliers or at least correct terminology? I've checked my local disposals in the hope of finding an army pack of some sort, but no luck.

[Moondog55]

Only when I'm hunting and even then I still use a small daypack

[slparker]

It is, or at least was, called 'webbing' and most army disposal shops would probably know it as such. They aren't particularly good at getting the weight on the hips, except for the pouches that re already on the hipbelt, obviously. Most soldiers, in my day, would wear webbing and a daypack for patrolling. in modern times chest webbing has taken over as being de rigeur mainly because of body armour but also because it is better for running in.

IMHO a good modern trail running vest or hi quality daypack is probably better and far lighter. A lightweight version of webbing with a H-harness and bumbag would be good for preventing sweaty back syndrome though..

[keithy]

Check out MTP webbing like these http://www.amazon.co.uk/MTP-Webbing-air ... B00DJ79FCA or look up "Chest Rigs". Local supplier Platatac makes molle compatible chest rigs and harness systems that you can customise with various molle pouches/bags for your loadout. They also have modular harnesses that can clip on hydration bags on the back, and pouches on the front.

I have a few Maxipedition Versipacks, but they don't transfer the load to your waist. I tried on a mini chest rig with molle straps, trying to make a sort of version of the Aarn bodypacks, but found that I got really warm and sweaty at the front where the baseplate sits over my chest and stomach.

You might find you could get modular shoulder harness that clips into your Maxpedition Sabercat so it gives you shoulder support, as well as front or back molle attachment points to add on pockets/pouches.

[BarryK]

Fermenter,
For comparison, did you see the thread I started awhile back, on the Mountainsmith Daylight waist pack?:

http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=22383

I also did a field test.

The design is very clever, can carry quite a lot of weight without needing shoulder straps.

However, if you do want shoulder straps, Mountainsmith sell other models to which shoulder straps can be attached.

I am also a fan of carrying everything on the hips, and planning another overnighter next week, with the Daylight waist pack, and planning to push the weight a bit more, carry a tent also.

[simonm]

I have a couple of older Molly Mac Packs in which I carry quite a bit on the hip belt. The new model allows the hip belt to be used separately.

http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cottage ... -backpack/

[simonm]

Also if you cant find anything to suit Benny at High Range Outdoors might be able to make you something. He does top quality work and is based in Brisbane.

https://www.highrangeoutdoors.com.au/

[GRLillistone]

Fermenter,
Webbing, whether it be belt or chest rig, is a type of field equipment tailored to meet soldiers' requirements in the field and not intended for use by civilian bushwalkers. That's why more comfortable and relevant kit like daypacks are sold and not webbing.
It's up to you but if you want to find a comfortable solution I dare say a set of belt webbing won't be your answer.

[metastable]

http://mountainsmith.com/products/all-l ... ettes.html

[RonK]

Wingnut Gear makes a range of lowrider packs intended for adventure cyclists which may serve your needs.